The internet can be a fantastic opportunity for getting advice, networking and building up a reputation which can really help you find your first graduate job. However 77% of employers admit to Googling their applicants so make sure the internet is free from embarrassing photos! This quick guide will help you know what should and shouldn’t be in the public domain.
DO: Setup a LinkedIn
Having a CV online can be a fantastic way of finding a role. Not only can you use LinkedIn to search for roles it’s also a great way to get yourself seen by recruiters as your profile is searchable.
DON’T: Have a public profile on Facebook
Do you want your potential boss to see your holiday snaps? No! Or worse still you after one too many drinks on a pub crawl with your uni mates… Facebook allows you to privatise your settings so that you are only searchable when you have a mutual friend and that even then your profile only shows basic information. You can update all of your privacy settings here and edit who can see you and how people can search for you. Make sure your profile picture is nothing embarrassing regardless. A holiday snap is fine but avoid anything provocative.
DO: Keep it friendly on Twitter
Twitter can be a fantastic way of engaging with potential employers, following the application process, and asking questions to a company. Remember though that your feed is public so avoid any Twitter rows, or rude remarks. If you really don’t like something or someone Twitter is definitely not the place to vent these frustrations.
DON’T: Use LinkedIn like any other social media site
LinkedIn is a professional environment so keep it that way. Avoid sharing a cute Buzzfeed article but instead share and engage with interesting content relevant to the profession you want to go into. If for example you’re interested in a career in law then share anything about changes to the legal system that you think will have an impact and talk about them.
DO: Create content
Don’t be a afraid to make yourself known online. Whether you want to be a marketer or a computer engineer there are numerous ways of creating content online. Write a blog about marketing showing how well you can write or build a website to display your coding skills. These will act as virtual portfolios that can be a great way to demonstrate the skills you talk about on your CV.